SACRAMENTO — "I am pleased by the findings of the Human Resources Research Organization verifying that the California High School Exit Exam met all of the required standards for a high stakes exam. As the author of the law creating California's high school exit exam, I am a longtime champion of this vital benchmark test, and I strongly believe our students will rise to the high expectations we set for them. This exam is a rigorous but fair tool that allows parents, employers, colleges, local communities, and the students themselves to know that a high school diploma earned in California stands for solid academic achievement.

"The report confirmed my belief that the CAHSEE led to dramatically increased implementation of our world-class standards at the high school and middle school levels, as well as to the development of new courses specifically designed to help students who have difficulty mastering these standards.

"I also appreciate the finding that a lack of prerequisite skills may have prevented many students in the class of 2004 from reaping the benefits of instruction in relevant content standards. As a result of the report's finding that the effectiveness of standards-based instruction is likely to improve for each class following the Class of 2004, I am confident the State Board of Education will give serious consideration to the requirement that the class of 2004 pass the exam as a prerequisite for graduation. But regardless of the Board's ultimate decision, I remain steadfastly committed both to the exam itself and to its eventual use as a requirement for graduation.

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Note: The report is located at: Independent Evaluation (HumRRO) - California High School Exit Examination.